Tampa continues their bargain hunting, signing Luke Scott to a one year deal with an option for 2013. The left handed slugger is coming off a disappointing season, hitting 220/301/402 with 9 homers while “earning” -0.1 WAR. The Rays obviously believe that Scott is a bounce back candidate, as one year ago he posted a 902 OPS with 27 homers while earning 2.7 WAR. The Rays offence lacked left handed power last season, so a rebound from Scott could see him returning to form as a middle of the order hitter.
With plus defenders like Desmond Jennings, BJ Upton and Matt Joyce, it’s unlikely that Scott will see time in the outfield. However, he would be a significant upgrade over the Rays previous DH, Johnny Damon. The Rays ranked 12th in the AL in OPS from their DH, so even if Scott hits to his career averages (843 OPS), he would likely rank among the top designated hitters in the league.
Even if Scott rebounds, he is unlikely to perform as well as he did in his best days as an Oriole. Camden Yards is a much more hitter friendly hitters park than Tropicana Field, especially when it comes to left handed power hitters like Scott. Over his career Scott has posted a 922 OPS at home compared to a 763 OPS on the road.
Joe Maddon is a very creative manager, but I wouldn’t expect him to platoon Scott. While he is significantly better against right handed pitching, there aren’t many options on the bench who would be better than Scott. Additionally, Damon played against both left and right handed pitchers last season, so it’s likely that Scott will be playing in a fulltime role for the Rays.
The Rays ranked 8th in runs scored in theALlast season, even failing to score less runs thanBaltimore. With several defensive specialists in the lineup like Jose Molina and potentially Reid Brignac, the Rays success may hinge on the successful rebound of Luke Scott.
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